Tag Archives: Keep Portland Weird

Reader in Residence

If I had a nickel for every time I’ve asked myself, “Goodness, Bryan, couldn’t you just live in a bookstore,” I’d finally be able to afford that immersion therapy to get over my fear of nickels.

Well, I am pleased to announce that this is no longer a hypothetical musing. What started as a surprise weekend trip to Portland, Oregon has turned into (surprise!) a bid to establish residency inside Powell’s, the legendary independent bookstore. There it is, right down there.

All photos by Carolyn Kraft

And there I am, just prior to never leaving the store again.

Who needs the outdoors?

Now, don’t worry about me, I’ve got all my basic needs covered.

I take my breakfast in the Blue Room
And my lunch in the cafe
Snack time in the Rose Room!
Dinner at the window in the Gold Room

And for the times I start to lose faith in my mission, a little inspiration….

Oh, I hadn’t thought of it that way…

And just an FYI, I always brush between meals.

I think someone else tried establishing residency here–whatever happened to that guy?


Okay, well, wish me luck! According to Oregon law I only have 364 more days before I’m declared a legal resident of the store. I also could be making that up completely.

No joke, though, I am bushed after all that eating! Guess I’ll bed down right here in the Pearl Room. Good night for now.

Who hasn’t dreamed of sleeping under an SQL guidebook?

Ed. Note: Feel free to send cards, pleas for reason, and bail money to Powell’s City of Books, Attn: Guy Doing His Best To Keep Portland Weird, Blue Room, 1005 W. Burnside St., Portland, OR 97209.